Federal Funding for Early Learning and Child Care

Creation of 1,015 New Child Care Centre Spaces

Saskatchewan will align with federal early learning and child care priorities and create 1,015 new child care centre spaces for children under six years old by 2020.  Allocation of spaces will support holistic child development.  Communities with a high need for child care will be considered, and organizations prioritizing child care services for families and children experiencing vulnerability will be prioritized.  If you are interested in applying to develop a child care centre, additional information may be found on the Start a Licensed Child Care Centre page.  The application deadline is May 11, 2018.

Creation of 1,500 New Licensed Family Child Care Home Spaces

The Government of Saskatchewan will be supporting the increase of licensed family child care homes by 1,500 spaces by 2020.  This will not only increase availability of child care for families across the province, but create employment opportunities for those interested in caring for children within their homes.

Learn more about becoming a licensed family child care provider.

Apply to become a licensed family child care provider.

Saskatchewan will support inclusive early learning and child care opportunities for young children requiring intensive supports by creating Early Learning Intensive Support Pilots.  The pilots will build on the strength of existing Prekindergarten programs by expanding access for children who require a significant level of support.  These programs have been developed with the four school divisions in Regina and Saskatoon to hire additional staff and provide the supports needed to allow these children to benefit from the Prekindergarten early learning environment.

More information is available in the Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot brochure.

You can apply through your local school division at one of the links below:

• Regina Catholic Schools
• Regina Public Schools
• Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
• Saskatoon Public Schools

Sixty-five new child care centre spaces, of the planned 1,015, are being targeted to Francophone children and will be open by 2020.  The province will focus on allocating spaces to an organization(s) that will respond to the child care needs of Francophone families and children.  If you are interested in applying to develop a Francophone child care centre, additional information may be found on the Start a Licensed Child Care Centre page.

Funding will be provided to enhance the quality of early learning and child care experiences for children in licensed child care by providing training for early learning and child care providers, grants for Play and Exploration and Active Play, as well as literacy programs.  This investment will enhance the capacity of the child care sector to provide rich, play-based early learning environments for children. Information on how to apply for this funding will be sent directly to existing licensed child care facilities and child care homes.

Funding is also being provided to create early learning opportunities for preschool aged children who are deaf and hard of hearing.  

There is one program in Regina and one in Saskatoon (half-days) for three- and four-year-old children who are deaf or hard of hearing or connected to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Read more about the Children Communicating, Connecting and in Community program.